West Ham's Valon Behrami ruled out for six months

West Ham's Valon Behrami is facing a race to be fit for the start of next
season after he was ruled out for six months with an anterior cruciate
ligament injury in his left knee.

Out for the count: Valon Behrami will not play again for West ham this season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left kneePhoto: GETTY IMAGES

By Steve Wilson and agencies

10:49AM GMT 11 Mar 2009

The 23-year-old was hurt during the defeat against Manchester City at the start of the month and underwent keyhole surgery in Italy.

"Valon is due back in London next week, where he will begin his rehabilitation with the club's medical staff as soon as possible," read a club statement.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola did receive some better news with the return to full training of Luis Boa Morte after a spell out with a groin injury and Kieron Dyer taking part in sessions with the rest of the squad after overcoming calf trouble.

James Collins (hamstring) and Diego Tristan (groin) are both running and are thought to be close to joining in fully as well.

Meanwhile, striker David Di Michele wants to stay at Upton Park beyond the end of the season when his loan from Serie A side Torino expires.